London (The COW News Digital) Britain has refused to close its consulate in occupied East Jerusalem after an Israeli deadline expired, choosing instead to rename the facility the “UK Mission, Jerusalem” while maintaining a limited diplomatic presence.
The decision comes amid growing tensions between London and Tel Aviv over British measures targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the consulate building would remain open, although its activities would be reduced. Britain also rejected Israel’s assertion that it has the legal authority to order the closure of the diplomatic facility.
Under the new arrangement, seven British diplomats will continue working from the building, while around 20 others, including the British consul general, are expected to leave Israel after completing their assignments.
The British presence in East Jerusalem has a history stretching back nearly 200 years. The mission has played an important role in Britain’s engagement with Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank and Gaza, as well as providing consular services.
Miliband said the newly designated UK Mission would continue working with the Palestinian population and delivering essential services. Britain had recently withdrawn some staff and their families from the area but now plans to strengthen its presence again.
The dispute intensified after Britain announced sanctions against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including restrictions on certain products manufactured in those settlements.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel would respond to measures taken against it, while Britain has so far avoided retaliatory action against Israeli diplomats and indicated that discussions between the two governments would continue.
The United Nations and most countries consider Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories contrary to international law, while Israel disputes that position.
The latest decision does not affect Britain’s embassy in Tel Aviv, which remains the centre of the UK’s diplomatic relations with the Israeli government.
Despite disagreements over settlements and other issues, Britain and Israel continue to cooperate in areas including trade, security and intelligence.
